Sports: Top Stories

NFL officials detail rules changes for 2014 season

An official talks with Tennessee Titans head coach Ken Whisenhunt about how players may block during a practice at a NFL football training camp Friday, Aug. 1, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (Mark Humphrey, The Associated Press)

Referee Scott Halverson led the briefing where he and three officials discussed rule changes and points of emphasis for the 2014 NFL season.

There will be a greater focus on deterring unsportsmanlike conduct, specifically the use of abusive and threatening language toward opponents, as well as prolonged and excessive celebrations.

"It's been a point of emphasis in the last few years," Helverson said.

Rules changes for the 2014 season include:

• The uprights of the goal post are extended an additional 5 feet to 35 feet above the crossbar.

• The game clock will keep running after a sack outside two minutes of each half.

• Blockers cannot roll up on the side of a defender's leg.

• Referees can now consult with members of the NFL officiating department during replays.

• Reviewable plays now include recovery of a loose ball in the field of play.

There are also a number of rule clarifications, including making it illegal for defenders to pull receivers' jerseys.

"Three or four years, maybe even five, we really got into the jersey pulls," Helverson said. "We kind of got away from it because the jersey pull didn't necessarily take a stride away from a receiver. Now they want to clean it up and it make it a foul that everyone understands."